National health food chain Robeks Fruit Smoothies & Healthy Eats plans to open its first New York City store on Monday, Oct. 4, in Lower Manhattan. Located at 111 Worth St. between Broadway and Lafayette, the newest Robeks franchise will host a celebration on Thursday, Oct. 7 from 7 am to 7 pm. The event will offer free fruit smoothies, food samples and prizes.

The California-based Robeks, founded in 1995, is now in eight states, including New York and New Jersey. Though its menu includes an array of sandwiches, soups, baked goods and snacks, the eatery takes special pride in its smoothie menu. Creatively named smoothies such as the 800 lb. Gorilla, Strawnanaberry and Femme-bek serve as meal replacements rather than mere beverages.

The franchise co-owners are Ashok Gandhi, Ian Welham and Pascal Marat, three veterans of the New York corporate world. They plan to open two more Robeks stores in the city. Regional director Chris Brown hopes to open as many as 80 more stores here during the next eight to ten years.